Given below are two statements: Statement I: A dependent variable can never be…

Concept

In research design, dependent and independent identify a variable’s role: the dependent variable is the measured outcome, while an independent variable is a predictor or manipulated factor.

Dichotomous identifies a measurement scale with exactly two categories. A variable’s role does not by itself determine whether its scale is binary, multicategory, or continuous.

Application

Statement I uses the absolute word never. A pass/fail result is a dichotomous dependent variable, so this counterexample rejects that absolute claim.

Statement II uses the absolute word always. Age, income, or dosage can be a continuous independent variable, so this counterexample rejects that absolute claim.

Contrast

• Both Statement I and Statement II are correct retains both unsupported absolute restrictions.

• Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect retains the unsupported restriction on dependent variables.

• Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct retains the unsupported restriction on independent variables.

Cross-check

In a model of admission, admitted/not admitted may be the dichotomous dependent variable and a numerical test score may be a continuous independent variable. The same study therefore supplies a counterexample to each absolute statement.

Therefore, both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.